The Border Terrier is one of the UK’s native breeds, born on the Northumbrian side of the English/Scottish border. It was bred to hunt foxes and catch rabbits (and anything else that could be added to the master’s pot). Most agree, however, that these dogs’ first home was the Coquetdale area between Rothbury and Otterburn in Northumberland. Around the beginning of the 1800s they started to appear in portraits, and there are several in Raby Castle showing the Duke of Cleveland and the Earl of Darlington with their favourite terriers. In Wordsworth’s Dove Cottage hangs a portrait of his Border ‘Pepper’, painted in 1805. Eventually, in 1920, the breed was recognised by The Kennel Club. Today Borders have many devoted owners including Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands.

Lifespan

14-15 years

Size

Dogs: 31cms (12 inches)
Bitches: 28cms (11 inches)

This breed tends to mature slowly often not reaching adult size until they are 14 to 18 months old.

Weight

Dogs: 7-8kgs (13-15 lbs)
Bitches: 6-7kgs (11-14 lbs)

Coat

The harsh double coat will generally need frequent careful stripping and the skin must be loose and thick. Occasionally a Border will have an almost smooth coat rather than the rough one.

Build

The Border is essentially a working terrier. The Breed Standard says its head is “like that of an otter” and its legs are long in proportion to the rest of the body so that it was able to follow a horse. The body is deep, narrow and capable of being spanned by both hands behind the shoulder.

Characteristics

These little dogs make very good companions. They are very active, highly intelligent, good natured, independent and trainable (although firmness and patience may be required).